第１３３７堀：それぞれのお休み予定 (Part2)
"No reports have come in yet. Well, I plan on hearing from Prol, Tori, and the others later. I'll decide after that."
Indeed, this marked the first long holiday for the Weed International Academy—the school for international students. We had predicted that some students would inevitably let their guard down, and that certain fools would try to capitalize on that lapse. This break wasn't just for us or our subordinates; it was a litmus test to see how those fools would move.
"Hey, is it really okay for us to return to our homelands during such a busy time?"
"It’s actually encouraged. It makes the opposition think we’ve let our guard down."
"Ah, so they'll think that because Micos and the others are heading home, we’re off our game?"
"Exactly."
"But won't that leave Weed’s defenses thin?"
"They'll be reduced, yes, but if our system were to collapse just from that, it would be a failure. It would defeat the entire purpose of establishing a division of labor and a security protocol."
"…That’s certainly true. What about the upper management, like Carrie?"
"No, they’ve been told it’s just a regular holiday. Right, Kagura?"
"Yes. I told them that if we don't take a break ourselves, people will think we lack confidence."
"There is that aspect, too. Well, it’s possible they’ve realized our true intentions. She’s a princess capable of at least that much."
After all, she managed to keep up the "airheaded princess" act even after summoning us.
"I think so, too. So, the Hayden region, the If continent academy, is that about it?"
"Yeah, that’s about it. The folks from Rogari come here whenever they have a break anyway. Actually, lately, people from the If continent have been visiting quite often, too. Especially that old man Blade from Roday."
He comes here to eat ramen. And, as an afterthought, he brings along people like King August.
"I worry about Samantha’s stomach."
"She seems to have given up on that lately. Or rather, look, Hovis over there is her ramen-buddy, right?"
"Yes indeed~. Samantha-sama asked me to send her regards as well~."
Hovis, who had been standing quietly behind me, answered in a leisurely tone. Surprisingly, Hovis possesses quite a high level of communication skills. And, despite everything, it’s a fact that Orelia and Yayui have been keeping them company. Dealing with royalty alone is exhausting, after all. In this way, while Orelia and Yayui are technically my assistants, they have reached a position where they are not only known to the kings of great nations but even share meals with them.
Well, at the ramen shop, it’s more like comrades-in-arms gathering for a bowl of noodles.
"You’ve certainly gotten used to it. I don't think that much time has passed yet, has it? What do you think, Orelia?"
"Um, well, denying it wouldn't be of any help to Yuki-sama, so even though I worry it might be impolite, we are doing what we can."
Orelia answered, looking a bit perplexed. It’s true that there’s no point in averting one’s eyes from reality. She’s really grown. Just as I was thinking that…
"Ahaha, lately I can't help but feel that I have fewer connections than you all…"
Fiora laughed self-deprecatingly. Fiora is, after all, primarily a coordinator for smaller nations. She might be considered inferior to Orelia and the others, who deal with major powers, but the sheer number of small-nation diplomatic affairs she handles is no joke. Still, it’s a fact that having connections to major powers is a very effective card to hold, regardless of the quantity. Because of the circumstances under which Fiora came to me, meeting with major powers isn't exactly ideal for her.
"Well, a person just does what they can. Thanks to Fiora, I and everyone else are helped. There’s no hierarchy here."
That’s right; it doesn't mean Fiora is useless. She was brought in alongside Orelia, and she is well-versed in both etiquette and politics. She’s basically a more serious version of Seraria. Seraria has even asked me to give her Fiora if I don't need her, but I refuse.
"Yes. Thank you very much."
Fiora realized she had been complaining and thanked me with a startled expression.
"Alright. Then, my wives must be tired, so I’ll spend this holiday relaxing and rewarding them."
And so, everyone’s individual holidays began. Now then, how should I spend my own break? A short vacation. Yet, being human, one can't help but think about various things. Well, I’ve never strictly followed a summer vacation schedule anyway, so I suppose that’s just how it goes.